Shaikh Mohammad attends media award ceremony

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday attended a ceremony held at Meydan Hotel in honour of Khalfan Mohammad Al Roumi, Chairman of the board of Arab Journalism Award (AJA).

The ceremony, organised by the Dubai Government Media Office (DGMO), was held to celebrate Al Roumi’s return from abroad, and in recognition of his national efforts and dedication, and role in the UAE’s development.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, were present.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shaikh Mohammad described Al Roumi as a national figure. “I have known Al Roumi since the UAE federation era, in the times of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the founding fathers. He is a person who has loyally served the nation since the federation,” he said. “I remember the late Taryam Omran Taryam, a man who loved the UAE and helped the late Shaikh Zayed and the late Shaikh Rashid in preparations related to the implementation of the federation. I would also like to point out the prominent national role played by Ahmad Khalifa Al Suwaidi in the federation.

“I have lived through and witnessed the national march that these figures have embarked on. They are men who were loyal to their nation and people, and thanks to them, and the efforts of other Emiratis, we are able to continue this march.

“I have long followed the march of Al Roumi, and I trust him very much. I am very happy that he has returned home safe and sound to continue his on the AJA board.”

Shaikh Mohammad wished all AJA board members success and progress for the development of the award and in expanding its reach in the future. He said that the youth participating in the award look up to Al Roumi as one of the founders of AJA, as well as an example and role model.

“We have all the national capabilities required to move forward in the field of giving, innovation and excellence. They are capable youth, and I’m very proud of them,” said Shaikh Mohammad.

Later, Shaikh Mohammad took a commemorative photo with the chairman and new board members of AJA.

Addressing the gathering, Mona Ganem Al Merri, Director General of DGMO, welcomed Shaikh Mohammad and said his patronage of the award, which was set up as part of an initiative he launched, is a key factor behind AJA’s success in the Arab world.

Al Merri also welcomed Al Roumi and spoke about his tremendous efforts in boosting the award’s reputation and standing.

Abdullah Omran Taryam, Chairman of Dar Al Khaleej for Press, Printing and Publishing, expressed his gratitude to Shaikh Mohammad for attending the ceremony and honouring Al Roumi. He added that such gestures are common from Shaikh Mohammad, who is always keen on honouring individuals who have worked hard for the service of their nation since the federation.

Taryam pointed out that Al Roumi was a member of various committees that operated in the 1970s. He said that the UAE leadership saw in Al Roumi as a model for dedication, diligence and trust, and that he is still a man who is in the right place at the right time.

Taryam spoke about AJA, and said the award is a true reflection of the vision of Shaikh Mohammad, who has the intuition to predict the course of events on the local, regional and international stage.

“It is thanks to this wise vision that we were able to overcome many challenges in the UAE, specifically the economic ones, and we were to build a strong and stable country, a speciality of a leadership that is able to read the future, prepare for it, and then lead the country safely,” said Taryam.

He hailed the role played by AJA in encouraging innovation in journalism in the Arab world. He said that the award’s success is reflected in the huge number of entries from journalists.